Move FM Global News
As US ends Covid border rules, officials expect increase in crossings
May 4, 2023WASHINGTON D.C.: After the end of COVID-19 restrictions, to take place on 11th May, President Joe Biden’s administration is preparing for the possible arrival of tens of thousands of migrants at the US-Mexico border.
US authorities are currently scrambling to organize holding centers, facilitate deportations and shorten the processing period of refugees abroad.
Reuters reported that as soon as this week, the government will announce new measures, such as increasing the number of Latin Americans admitted through the US refugee settlement program.
An unreported option under discussion is to process migrants at Fort Bliss, a military base near El Paso, Texas, which was used to house thousands of unaccompanied minors in 2021.
White House spokesperson Abdullah Hasan denied Fort Bliss was being considered.
Other measures could include agreements with regional governments to curb migrant numbers and provide additional aid to migrants already in those countries.
Criticized by Republicans for abandoning hardline policies implemented by former President Donald Trump, Democrat Biden has struggled with record numbers of migrants caught crossing the US-Mexico border and gradually toughening restrictions.
Border cities have previously struggled with large numbers of migrants releases.
